Matthew 5:37

5:37 Let your word be ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no.’ More than this is from the evil one. ¹ 

Matthew 10:38

10:38 And whoever does not take up his cross ²  and follow me is not worthy of me.

Matthew 12:7

12:7 If ³  you had known what this means: ‘I want mercy and not sacrifice,’ ⁴  you would not have condemned the innocent.

Matthew 25:42

25:42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink.

[5:37]  ¹ tn The term πονηροῦ (ponhrou) may be understood as specific and personified, referring to the devil, or possibly as a general reference to evil. It is most likely personified, however, since it is articular (τοῦ πονηροῦ, tou ponhrou). Cf. also “the evildoer” in v. 39, which is the same construction.

[10:38]  ² sn It was customary practice in a Roman crucifixion for the prisoner to be made to carry his own cross. Jesus is speaking figuratively here in the context of rejection. If the priority is not one’s allegiance to Jesus, then one will not follow him in the face of possible rejection.

[12:7]  ³ tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

[12:7]  ⁴ sn A quotation from Hos 6:6 (see also Matt 9:13).